5 Must Visit Australian Events This Year

Sunday, 3 February 2019

There’s oh so much stuff to do in Australia. There’s all those beautiful outdoor areas, the cosmopolitan cities, and, of course, the events. Australia is home to some of the world’s most prestigious, interesting, and outright fun annual events.

If you haven’t yet experienced them in all their glory, then perhaps this is the year to give them a go! Below, we take a look at five must-visit Australia events, all of which are unique. Pick one, two, or all five - you’re sure to have a great time!

For the Jokes

Who doesn’t love a good laugh? At the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to crack a smile. This is a big one, even by international standards! It is the world’s third-largest comedy festival and has been running for some thirty-two years. Pretty impressive, hey!

It takes place over four weeks from March through to April and generally features a nice mix of internationally acclaimed, experienced comedians, “the next big thing,” and newbies who are trying their hand at the big league for the first time. Needless to say, virtually any show will delight.

Not entirely sure who you want to see? Make your way to the booths just outside City Hall. The individuals who work in this booth will be able to recommend the perfect shows for you! Every year I've been I have been given wonderful recommendations for shows and was introduced to incredible comedians I would not have typically seen.

Up in the Sky

Fireworks in any form are always entertaining. But when it’s the Brisbane Riverfire? Well, that’s something else entirely. This show is arguably the largest fireworks display in Australia, and it’s all set to music. Because the fireworks are launched from various locations, it really does seem like the whole sky is lit up. For the best experience, take a look at a Riverfire boat hire. It’ll allow you to experience the fireworks in the most awesome way possible: from the water.

Love blues music? Then you won’t want to miss the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Its been running for some thirty years and has featured some of the world’s biggest musical. Taking place over four days in April, the festival doesn’t just excite the locals and the thousands of travellers who make a special trip to attend; it’s also popular with celebrities, who are always at the festival in force. This year’s highlights include such musical acts as Iggy Pop, Ben Harper, David Gray, Hozier, and about a billion otherincredible artists. It’s more than a blues festival: there’s something for all music lovers.

Aboriginal Light

And now for something completely different. Parrtjima is a unique festival that is focused on Aboriginal culture and its artwork. All the installations are created by Indigenous artists. Spread over ten days, the festival is free, and gives visitors the opportunity to experience the beautiful outdoors in an entirely new way. If you're new to Australia or have lived here for years, it is a great way to learn more about Australia's First People.

Mardis Gras

Finally, don’t forget Sydney’s Mardis Gras, an inclusive LGBT festival that’s big on life, art, and all-around good times. It’s well worth taking a trip to Sydney just to soak up the atmosphere, but if you want to do things a little bit more formally, you’ll find that there’s plenty of events and shows that you can attend too.

If any of the above are missing from your “Australian bucket list,” make sure you add these spectacular events to it this year!

That's interesting that Mardi Gras is an LGBT themed festival out there. IT's not that we don't have Mardi Gras or that there aren't LGBT people celebrating it. It's just not the major reason for the event. The aboriginal festival does sound amazing I have to admit.